The children ran toward them, waving their arms and shouting excitedly as they came.
"Dad!"
"Dad!"
"Dad! Third Uncle!"
Amid all the cries of "Dad," there were still a few calls of "Third Uncle," which warmed Ye Yaodong's heart. His affection for them hadn't been wasted after all. He hadn't heard anyone calling "Grandpa," but he had heard them calling "Third Uncle."
All those treats he usually fed them hadn't gone to waste. They had some conscience, at least!
Ye Yaodong smiled, switched off his flashlight, and opened his arms to welcome his two sons as they ran toward him.
"Why are you all still awake? How did you know I was back?"
He had thought they wouldn't know until he reached the doorstep and knocked.
"Great-Grandma told us!"
"Great-Grandma just ran inside and told us you were back. Mom hurried out to look, then called over to Eldest Aunt and Grandma next door, and everyone ran out," Ye Chenghu said loudly, speaking clearly and laying everything out in order.
Surprised, Ye Yaodong looked behind the children. The Old Lady was hurrying toward them.
"Your great-grandma was still awake this late, sitting by the door?"
"She said she wanted to go to bed later!"
Ye Chenghai jumped in. "Yes! Great-Grandma sits by the door every day. She won't go inside until it's dark."
Ye Chengjiang added, "Great-Grandma said you'd definitely come back before Mid-Autumn to celebrate. These past few days, she's been sitting there until really late before going to bed."
Ye Chenghu chimed in again. "Mom said she stayed there until midnight..."
"What midnight? Nonsense." The Old Lady finally reached them and spoke with a smile.
"Why are you only getting back so late? Good thing I hadn't gone to bed. Hurry inside. Are you hungry? Have your wives